King James Version

What Does Romans 2:12 Mean?

Romans 2:12 in the King James Version says “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be jud...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;”

Romans 2:12 · KJV

Salvation

Context

10

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Gentile: Gr. Greek

11

For there is no respect of persons with God.

12

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

13

(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

14

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law—ὅσοι γὰρ ἀνόμως ἥμαρτον (hosoi gar anomōs hēmarton), literally "as many as sinned lawlessly." Ἀνόμως (anomōs) refers to Gentiles without Torah's written revelation. The future ἀπολοῦνται (apolountai, "will perish") indicates final destruction. Paul's point: ignorance of Mosaic Law doesn't create immunity; Gentiles face judgment based on the moral knowledge they possess (1:19-20, 2:14-15).

And as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law—ὅσοι ἐν νόμῳ ἥμαρτον (hosoi en nomō hēmarton) describes Jews who possess Torah. Διὰ νόμου κριθήσονται (dia nomou krithēsontai, "will be judged through/by law"). Possessing God's law intensifies accountability rather than excusing transgression. The law becomes witness for the prosecution, not the defense, since none keep it perfectly (3:20, Galatians 3:10).

The symmetry is devastating: Gentiles perish despite lacking Torah; Jews are condemned precisely because they have it yet violate it. Neither group escapes—one judged by natural revelation and conscience, the other by written scripture. This anticipates 3:9's conclusion: "both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin." The only escape is Christ's righteousness imputed by faith (3:21-26).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology debated Gentile salvation. Some rabbis taught righteous Gentiles observing Noahide laws could be saved; others believed all Gentiles were condemned. Most Jews saw Torah as privilege ensuring salvation if observed. Paul collapses both views: Torah doesn't save (it condemns lawbreakers), and Gentiles aren't automatically lost (they're judged by the light they have). This neutralizes Jewish presumption while maintaining moral accountability for all.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has possessing Scripture—biblical knowledge, doctrinal understanding—increased my accountability before God?
  2. Do I treat the Bible as a shield protecting me from judgment or a mirror revealing my need for Christ's righteousness?
  3. If Gentiles without Torah are judged by the moral knowledge they have, how seriously do I take the 'light' God has given me?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὅσοι1 of 15

“as many as”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

γὰρ2 of 15

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀνόμως3 of 15

“without law”

G460

lawlessly, i.e., (specially) not amenable to (the jewish) law

ἥμαρτον4 of 15

“have sinned”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

ἀνόμως5 of 15

“without law”

G460

lawlessly, i.e., (specially) not amenable to (the jewish) law

καὶ6 of 15

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπολοῦνται7 of 15

“perish”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

καὶ8 of 15

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅσοι9 of 15

“as many as”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐν10 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

νόμου11 of 15

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἥμαρτον12 of 15

“have sinned”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

διὰ13 of 15

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

νόμου14 of 15

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

κριθήσονται·15 of 15

“shall be judged”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 2:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 2:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9:21Galatians 3:10Romans 2:14-16Acts 17:30-31Galatians 2:16-19Romans 8:3

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Romans 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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